Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi

Cozy Weeknight Comfort in One Pan

On busy weeknights, I crave something comforting, fast, and totally satisfying. Creamy garlic chicken gnocchi hits that sweet spot: tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a luxuriously silky sauce. The best part? It all cooks in one skillet, so you can kiss dirty pans goodbye and dive straight into dinner.

This dish is a flexible friend: swap in greens or mushrooms, tweak the garlic, or amp up the cheese. It looks gorgeous on Pinterest and tastes even better than it photos—creamy, garlicky, and cozy enough to turn even a tired evening into a small celebration.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces — sears to golden and adds protein; swap with thighs for juicier meat.
• 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi — fresh gnocchi cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce; frozen works too (no thawing required).
• 4 cloves garlic, minced — the aromatic backbone of the sauce.
• 2 tbsp olive oil — helps sear the chicken and lightly fry the gnocchi for a delicate crust.
• 2 tbsp butter — adds richness and luscious mouthfeel to the sauce.
• 1 cup chicken stock — a flavorful base that keeps the sauce light enough to cling to gnocchi.
• 1 cup heavy cream — the luxurious, creamy core of the dish; substitute half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative if needed.
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese — melts in to deepen the flavor and tighten the sauce.
• Salt and pepper to taste — season in layers for the best flavor.
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning or a pinch of dried thyme and oregano — herbs that brighten without overpowering.
• 2 cups fresh spinach (optional) — adds color and a touch of greens.
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Lemon zest (optional) — a little brightness to finish (about 1 tsp).

Instructions

1. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high. Sear the chicken until golden on all sides and just cooked through, about 4–6 minutes depending on thickness. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
2. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the butter. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30–45 seconds—not letting it brown.
3. Stir in the gnocchi, letting the edges get a touch crispy and golden, about 3–4 minutes. This helps them hold their shape in the creamy sauce.
4. Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour in the chicken stock and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 6–8 minutes, or until the sauce lightly thickens and the chicken is heated through.
5. Stir in grated parmesan and Italian seasoning. If you’re using spinach, add it now and cook until wilted, 1–2 minutes. Taste and season with more salt and pepper as needed. If you like a bit more brightness, finish with lemon zest.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for a minute or two to let the sauce thicken a touch. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness.

Tips & Variations

• Make it dairy-light: use dairy-free milk (almond) and coconut cream in place of heavy cream; you may need a touch more stock to keep the sauce from becoming too thick.
• Heat it up: add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a gentle heat.
• Veg options: mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes pair nicely with the gnocchi and chicken.
• Gluten-free: use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure your stock is gluten-free.
• Make-ahead idea: assemble the sauce and sear the chicken ahead of time; reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked gnocchi just before serving.
• Storage and reheating: store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of stock or cream to loosen the sauce; stir smoothly to restore silkiness.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this creamy skillet with a bright greens salad, roasted broccoli, or a simple steamed asparagus to cut the richness. A slice of crusty garlic bread is perfect for sopping up sauce, while a light citrusy salad keeps the plate feeling fresh.

• Green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted broccoli or green beans tossed with a touch of olive oil and sea salt
• Crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette
• Optional add-ins: a squeeze of lemon juice over the plate just before serving for extra brightness

Plating tip: serve directly from the skillet for a rustic, cozy presentation, and finish with a light dusting of parmesan and chopped parsley for color.

FAQs

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

Let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and concentrate. If you want a faster fix, whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch whisked with 1 tablespoon of water (a slurry) and simmer for another minute until glossy. Avoid over-thickening, which can make the sauce feel heavy.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can pre-cook the chicken and garlic base, then reheat with the gnocchi and stock. For the best texture, cook the gnocchi just before serving and gently reheat the sauce to coat them, adding a splash of stock if needed.

How do I reheat leftovers without breaking the sauce?

Warm slowly on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of stock or cream as needed. Stir often and avoid boiling, which can cause the sauce to separate.

What pasta type works best if I want to switch from gnocchi?

If you swap in pasta, choose shapes that cling to sauce well, like fettuccine or pappardelle. The cooking times will differ, so adjust accordingly. The key is a sauce that clings—simply adjust the milks and stocks to reach a silky coat.

Can I swap the chicken for shrimp or turkey?

Yes. Shrimp cook quickly and add a lighter, sweet note; add them toward the end just until pink and opaque. Turkey can work too, but you’ll likely need a touch more time for it to stay tender.

How can I keep the sauce silky and not split?

Avoid high heat after the dairy is added; simmer gently and whisk regularly. Use a gentle hand with the cheese, and add a splash of cream or stock if the sauce seems too thick or stubbornly sticky. Finish with fresh herbs for a glossy, well-balanced finish.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi is the kind of dish that makes weeknights feel special without taking hours to cook. It’s cozy, comforting, and flexible enough to suit what you have on hand. Gather a hungry crew, set the skillet down at the center of the table, and share in the creamy, garlicky goodness. Happy cooking, and may your dinner be deliciously effortless.